Japan defeated the Netherlands 16-4 in a game that didn't go beyond the seventh enough because of the mercy-rule. Thanks to dominant pitching by Kenta Maeda and a strong offensive performance, Japan is now just a few games away from repeating as World Baseball Classic champions.
Maeda went five innings allowing just one hit while striking out nine Netherland batters.By the time he left the game, Japan had an 11-0 lead before Netherlands put up a four-spot on the board.
However, shortstop Hayato Sakamoto put the game away with a seventh inning grand slam that put the Japanese up 16-4, leaving the Netherlands fate at the hands of the the Cubans on Monday.
Their starter, Robbie Cordemans just didn't have his best stuff Sunday as the right-handed and formerly consistent ace gave up six runs in 1.1 innings with two walks and one strikeout. Also betraying the Netherlands in this game was the Netherland's defense as Jonathan Schoop, Andrelton Simmons and Tom Stuifbergen all committed errors in this one.
With the victory, Japan is automatically in the semifinals as they will await a winner between Netherlands and Cuba. The winner of the final Pool 1 game on Tuesday will advance to the finals.
Catch more WBC action as the Dominican Republic faces Puerto Rico at 7:30 p.m. ET.
